Writing_Employee_Handbooks_ Policy_Manuals_Training

Employee handbooks, policy manuals, and training
materials have an importnat role in communicating key information
to your employees. They serve as critical guides for your staff in
carrying out your business policies, processes, and objectives.

Well written employee handbooks, policy manuals, and training
materials can save countless hours of management time and prevent
costly mistakes. They can clarify company positions, help employees
understand and follow appropriate procedures, and eliminate
misunderstandings and confusion.

To be effective, these business communications must be:

1. Easily understood by all employees
2. Written in a professional, consistent style and format
3. Kept up-to-date and revised, as needed

Carefully prepared employee handbooks, policy manuals, and
training materials provide the information your company needs to
increase effectiveness and efficiency on-the-job.

Start with an outline. Then, as you write, use the items listed in your outline as
headings or subheads in the document.

If there are a large number of sections or listings, number each item so the reader has
a logical sequence to follow.

The text should be concise and give readers only what they need to know. Avoid a lot
of additional information that isn't directly relevant to the goal of the document. When
needed, add examples, illustrations, or pictures that help to explain or reinforce
written statements.

Once you've completed a draft, have someone who will use the handbook or manual,
review it and provide feedback.